ma-and-pa

adjective

ˌmä-ən-ˈpä How to pronounce ma-and-pa (audio)
ˌmȯ-ən-ˈpȯ

Examples of ma-and-pa in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In late January, Prom compared online prices at Aldi and Walmart to prices for comparable items at two relatively high-end supermarkets: Whole Foods and a local ma-and-pa chain. Daniel De Visé, USA TODAY, 1 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1671, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ma-and-pa was in 1671

Dictionary Entries Near ma-and-pa

Cite this Entry

“Ma-and-pa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ma-and-pa. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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